I. Humble Beginnings

The portrait shown on the cover of the book, painted by Johann Peter Krafft in 1816, shows a Princess of Salerno, with her golden hair and blue eyes-details of which are shown in the other portraits of the princess. The portrait is perhaps one of the most well-known things about her; for, society has long forgotten about the interesting life of the princess. What remains now are portraits and photographs.

Maria Clementina's life began in turmoil. Her father the Emperor lost his empire in 1806. Her marriage was apart of a plan to help strengthen the relationship between Austria and Naples. She saw the world change.

After her death in 1881, she left behind an intriguing story that has been left alone for more than a century.